A murder mystery set in the 17th century that starts with the dissection of a lady from high society and rapidly turns into a series of misfortunes for our main character. This story interweaves the issues of the British throne and its aristocracy, the riots and wars happening over the crown with the horrific mistreatment of asylum patients and the disparity of riches. It has been a while since I read a book of its kind and I loved every minute of it.

I love historical fiction, and it's not often I find one in the 1600s... and what a treat it was! The Bedlam Cadaver finds Harry Hunt has risen in the world, but that hasn't lessened his ability to attract trouble. I found it easy to drop into this story without having read its predecessors, and had no trouble coming up to speed. I highly recommend this intriguing mystery set in the time of King Charles II.

Newly rewarded for saving the Queen Mr. Henry Hunt arrives to the dissection a suicide victim from Bedlam in style, looking to who everyone just how far Hunt's lowly assistant has come he arrives in style. Little does he know that none of that will matter because the body on the table is not a suicide victim but a murder victim and his neighbor, Diana the daughter of Sir Benedict. With the King himself in attendance Henry is enlisted to assist the Justice of the Peace John Reresby in finding the poor girls killer. Unfortunately Reresby believes he already has: Henry himself, the stakes have never been higher for Henry as he isn't just working to find a killer, he's working to keep himself away from the gallows.

I did not like Harry (Henry) Hunt even a little bit and that is taking into consideration that he is supposed to be obnoxious thanks to his new station in life. I still don't like him. I found him boring, ineffective, and lacking self awareness almost on a criminal level.

That being said the mystery was best part of this book. Politics and murder always make for a good story and this has quite a bit of both. Through Bethlehem Hospital in the mix and you've got a winner. However, I found that the story dragged quite often and it felt like the story was going nowhere fast at several points. Oddly enough the worst place this happens is in the first few chapters. There is just way too much time spent establishing Reresby as an asshole in the beginning. I swear it's three chapters of him just accusing everyone and their brother of murder.

Overall, this was just meh. If I had found a connection with Hunt or the story didn't drag as often as it did I probably would have happily given this four stars but with both of these elements present I find I can't.

Thanks to Melville Publishing and NetGalley for the eArc!

This was my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. You will find yourself emerged in the time period with all its rich descriptions. I love a story with a great balance of dialogue and narrative and this book nailed it. Interesting characters and an intriguing tale - won't be the last I read by this author. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This novel is a murder mystery and kidnapping case based on true events in 17th century England. I don't often read murder mysteries, but I dabble in historical fiction fairly frequently, and was quite pleased with myself for guessing the ending. However, I wouldn't necessarily say the mystery was entirely predictable, and the average reader will find some surprises along the way.

The prose was befitting of the time, and one can always appreciate when a writer does thorough research for historical accuracy (as per the author's note at the end.) A quick and easy read for those with interest in the genre or specific period.

Thanks to Netgalley, Melville House Publishing, and author, Robert J. Lloyd, for this eARC.

I think this book was good. I requested it because it sounded interesting, and it was. The cast of characters was interesting and all so different from one another